And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

JOHN 17:13KJV
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John 17:13 (KJV)

What does John 17:13 mean?

John 17:13 shows Jesus speaking to God the Father, saying He is coming to Him and explaining that He has spoken certain things while still in the world so that His followers might have His joy completely within themselves. Jesus wants those who believe in Him to experience the same deep, lasting joy that He Himself has.

In this verse, Jesus is praying just before His arrest, speaking openly to God in the presence of His disciples. The setting is intimate and serious, as Jesus prepares to leave the world and return to the Father. He emphasizes that the reason He has shared His teachings and prayers while still with His followers is so they can share in His own joy—a joy that is full, enduring, and rooted in relationship with God.

The Greek behind John 17:13

  • χαρά (chara, "joy"): This word means a deep sense of gladness or delight. Here, Jesus is not talking about ordinary happiness, but a joy that comes from God and is meant to be "fulfilled" or made complete in His followers.
  • πληρόω (plēroō, "fulfilled"): This word means to fill up or make complete. Jesus wants His joy to be fully present and overflowing in those who follow Him, not just a small or partial experience.

Why John 17:13 matters

  • John 17:13 makes clear that Jesus’ teachings and prayers were for the benefit of His followers, not just for His own sake or as a private conversation with God.
  • The verse highlights that Jesus’ goal is not only for His followers to know facts or rules, but to share in His own joy—a joy that is deep and lasting, even in difficult times.
  • This verse connects to the larger prayer of John 17, where Jesus is focused on the well-being, unity, and spiritual fullness of those who believe in Him, showing His care and purpose for them.

Where else these words appear

“joy” Greek G5479 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
  • Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

“my” Greek G1699 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
  • John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

“now” Greek G3568 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
  • Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: